System and method of message notification and access via a video distribution network

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems of message notification and access via a video distribution network are disclosed. A method may include receiving, via an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network, a data stream including video content. The method may also include receiving, via the IPTV network, a notification of a message directed to a communication address associated with a subscriber. The method may also include selecting a first visual message indication based at least partially on the communication address.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to message notification andaccess via a video distribution network.

BACKGROUND

It is increasingly common for an individual or family to have multiplecommunication addresses. Some of these communication addresses may havemessaging features, such as voice mail, email, fax or text messaging, toname a few. It may be inconvenient at times, such as while watchingtelevision, to regularly check communication devices associated withthese communication addresses to determine whether new messages havebeen received. Hence, there is a need for an improved system and methodof message notification and access via a video distribution network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a system to providemessage notification and access via a video distribution network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a system to providemessage notification and access via a video distribution network;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method of messagenotification via a video distribution network;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method of messagenotification and access via a video distribution network;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a graphicaluser interface for message notification via a video distributionnetwork;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a third exemplary embodiment of a graphicaluser interface for message notification via a video distributionnetwork;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a graphicaluser interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a sixth exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a seventh exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a eighth exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a ninth exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a tenth exemplary embodiment of agraphical user interface for message notification and access via a videodistribution network;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an illustrative video distribution system;and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an illustrative general computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a particular embodiment, a system for message notification and accessvia a video distribution network may include a set top box device. Theset top box device may include at least one network interface to receivea data stream including video content via an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) network. The data stream may also include anotification of a message directed to a communication address of asubscriber. The set top box device may also include logic to select afirst visual message indicator based at least partially on thecommunication address.

In a particular embodiment, a method of message notification and accessvia a video distribution network may include receiving a data streamincluding video content via an IPTV network. The method may also includereceiving, via the IPTV network, a notification of a message directed toa communication address associated with a subscriber. The method mayalso include selecting a first visual message indication based at leastpartially on the communication address.

In another particular embodiment, a method of message notification andaccess via a video distribution network may include receiving abroadcast signal including video content via a cable television (CATV)network. The method may also include receiving, via the CATV network, anotification of a message directed to a communication address associatedwith a subscriber. The method may also include selecting a first visualmessage indication based at least partially on the communicationaddress.

In a particular embodiment, a user interface for message notificationand access via a video distribution network may include video contentreceived via an IPTV system. The user interface may also include amessage notification indicator associated with an incoming messagereceived at the IPTV system. The message notification indicator may beselected based at least partially on the communication address of adestination device of the incoming message and a type of the incomingmessage.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a particular embodiment of a system to providemessage notification and access via a video distribution network isshown. The video distribution network 100 includes a video contentserver 124, at a super hub office or video head-end, for example,communicating with an access network 120. The access network 120communicates with a message network 118 and a communication network 106.The access network 120 is also coupled to one or more subscriberresidences, such as residence 132.

The video content distribution network 100 may be configured to providevideo content from the video content server 124 to one or moresubscribers, such as subscriber 116. For example, video content may bestreamed from the video content server 124 to an internet protocol (IP)multicast group that includes the set top box device 126 at thesubscriber's residence 132. The set top box device 126 may decode thestreamed video content and send a display signal to a television 128 orvideo recording device 130. In another example, the video contentdistribution network may include a cable television network.

In a particular embodiment, the subscriber 116 may have one or morecommunication devices, such as wired telephone 108, wireless telephone114, computer 110, another communication device, or any combinationthereof. In an illustrative embodiment, each communication device may beassociated with a separate communication address. Each communicationdevice may be coupled to or in communication with the communicationnetwork 106. The communication network 106 may include any communicationnetwork, such as a telephone network, a wireless telephone network, orthe Internet.

In a particular embodiment, a caller 102 attempting to communicate withthe subscriber 116 may use a caller communication device 104. The callercommunication device 104 may link to the communication network 106,either directly or through one or more other networks. The callercommunication device 104 may communicate information such as voice data,text data, visual data, or any combination thereof. As used herein, theterm “caller” is used as a generic term referring to a party attemptingto communicate with or leave a message for another party, regardless ofthe type of communication, type of message, or medium used for thecommunication. For example, a “caller” may be a party sending a voicemail, email, text, fax, or other type of message. Additionally, the term“subscriber” is used herein to refer to a party utilizing methods andsystems disclosed herein to receive notification of messages or accessmessages via a video distribution network. The term is not intended toimply or denote that a party using the embodiments disclosed here mustsubscribe to a particular service.

In a particular embodiment, the caller 102 may send a message to thesubscriber 116 at a communication address associated with one of thesubscriber's communication devices. In an illustrative embodiment, themessage network 118 may receive and store messages directed to one ofthe subscriber's communication addresses. The message network 118 mayalso provide an indication of a received message to the access network120. The access network 120 may send the indication of the receivedmessage to the set top box device 126. The set top box device 126 maynotify the subscriber 116 that a message has been received by providinga visual notification of the message, for example, at the television128. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the visual notification ofthe message may be selected at the message network 118 or at the set topbox device 126 based at least in part on the communication address towhich the message was directed, the content of the message, the type ofmessage, the urgency of the message, subscriber configuration settings,other information about the message, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the subscriber 116 may access contents ofthe message via the access network 120 or via the communication network106. For example, the subscriber 116 may interact with the wiredtelephone 108, the wireless telephone 114, or the computer 110 to accessthe message content via the communication network 106. In anotherexample, the subscriber 116 may interact with the set top box device 126through a graphical user interface displayed on television 128 to accessthe message content via the access network 120. Examples of such agraphical user interfaces are illustrated in FIGS. 8, and 10-14.

In a particular embodiment, the subscriber 116 may modify subscriberconfiguration settings associated with messaging via the communicationnetwork 106, or the access network 120. In an illustrative embodiment,the subscriber configuration settings may be stored at a device incommunication with the message network 118. The subscriber 116 mayinteract with the wired telephone 108, the wireless telephone 114, orthe computer 110 to access and modify the subscriber configurationsettings via the communication network 106. In another example, thesubscriber 116 may interact with the set top box device 126 through agraphical user interface displayed on television 128 to access andmodify the subscriber configuration settings via the access network 120.Thus, for example, the subscriber may alter how message notificationsare received from the access network 120 by changing subscriberconfiguration settings via the communication network 106, and viceversa.

FIG. 2 depicts a second embodiment of a system to provide messagenotification and access via a video distribution network 200. The videodistribution network 200 includes a network 204 in communication with avideo device 202. The video device 202 may also be in communication witha display, such as a television 214, and a remote control device 216.

In a particular embodiment, the video device 202 may be capable ofreceiving a data stream including video content via the network 204. Thevideo device 202 may also be capable of receiving a notification fromthe network 204 of a message directed to a communication addressassociated with a subscriber. The video device 202 may select a visualindication of receipt of the message based at least in part on thecommunication address to which the message was directed. The videodevice 202 may also send a display signal to the display device. Thedisplay device may display the video content and the visual indicationin response to receiving the display signal.

In a particular embodiment, the video device 202 includes a networkinterface 206, a user interface module 210, logic 208, and memory 212.The network interface 206 may allow video device 202 to communicate withthe network 204. In an illustrative embodiment, the video device 202 maycommunicate with the network 204 via customer premises equipment (CPE),such as a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) switch or router,or other devices. In an illustrative embodiment, the network 204 mayinclude a video distribution network, such as an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) network. In such an embodiment, the network interface206 may receive a data stream including video content from the network204. The network interface 206 may also receive other data from thenetwork 204. For example, the network interface 206 may receive anotification of or contents of a message directed to a communicationaddress of the subscriber from the network 204.

In a particular embodiment, the logic 208 may prepare a display signalbased at least in part on data received via the network interface 206.For example, the logic 208 may form a display signal based at least inpart on the content of a message, the type of the message, the urgencyof the message, subscriber configuration settings, other informationabout the message, or any combination thereof. The subscriberconfiguration settings may be stored locally in memory 212, or remotelyin a memory accessible via the network 204. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, the logic 208 may form a first display signal includingnotification of receipt of the message, and a second display signalincluding the contents of the message. The second display signal may beformed in response to a subscriber's request to access the contents ofthe message.

In a particular embodiment, the user interface module 210 may receivecontrol input from a user. For example, the control input may includecontrol signals received from the remote control device 216. In anillustrative embodiment, the user interface module 210 may receive thecontrol input may via a graphical user interface displayed at thetelevision 214. The control input may include, for example, a command todisplay contents of one or more messages. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, the control input may include a command to display contentsof a plurality of messages one after another, without further controlinput. In another particular illustrative embodiment, the control inputmay include a command to access a television channel designated fordisplay of messages. The control input may also include a command toinitiate a call to a sender of the message.

In a particular embodiment, the remote control device 216 may include aplurality of selectable keys. When a user selects a key, a controlsignal may be communicated from the remote control device 216 to thevideo device 202. In an illustrative embodiment, each key may beassociated with a unique control signal. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, the remote control device 216 may include a plurality ofkeys, referred to herein as “transport keys”. Transport keys mayinclude, for example, a play key 218, a fast forward key 224, a reverse(or rewind) key 222, a stop key 220, a pause key 228, a mute key 226,other keys that control media playback, or any combination thereof. In aparticular illustrative embodiment, the video device 202 may implementtransport key signals to control user interaction with messages. Forexample, in response to receiving a notification of a message, the usermay select a play key 218 to play the message. The user may also selectthe fast forward key 224 to move through the message, or to the nextmessage, more quickly. Similarly, the user may select the reverse key222 to rewind the message or go back to a previous message. The user mayalso stop playback of messages by selecting the stop key 220. The usermay pause playback of a message by selecting the pause key 228. The usermay mute playback of an audio or audiovisual message by selecting themute key 226.

In a particular embodiment, the logic 208 may access subscriberconfiguration settings to select a visual indication of a message. In anillustrative embodiment, the subscriber configuration settings may bestored in memory 212. The subscriber configuration settings may includea different visual indication for each communication address of thesubscriber. For example, the subscriber configuration settings mayinclude a list of communication addresses of the subscriber and a visualindication setting that is unique among the communication address foreach address in the list.

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 300of message notification via a video distribution network. The method 300includes receiving a data stream including video content, at 302. In anillustrative embodiment, the data stream may be an IPTV multicast datastream. The method 300 also includes receiving a notification of amessage directed to a communication address associated with asubscriber, at 304. In a particular illustrative embodiment, thenotification of the message may be received via the video distributionnetwork.

The method 300 also includes selecting a first visual indication basedat least in part on the communication address to which the message wasdirected, at 306. For example, a first communication address maycorrespond to a subscriber's wireless telephone, and a secondcommunication address may correspond to a subscriber's wirelinetelephone. The first visual indication may be selected based at least inpart on whether the message was addressed to the first communicationaddress or the second communication address. In a particular embodiment,the subscriber may have a plurality of communication addresses, such asone or more facsimile numbers, one or more wireline telephone numbers,one or more wireless telephone numbers, one or more email addresses, oneor more text messaging addresses, other communication addresses, or anycombination thereof. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the method300 may select a visual indication of the message that identifies towhich communication address the message was directed. For example, thevisual indication may identify to which communication address themessage was directed by displaying the communication address. In anotherexample, a particular icon or visual device may be associated with eachcommunication address, and the visual indication may include theparticular icon or visual device associated with the communicationaddress to which the message was directed. The visual device may includefor example, a unique placement on the display, a unique color scheme,another visual device, or any combination thereof.

The method 300 may also include, at 308, sending a first display signal.The first display signal may include data to form a display includingthe video content and the first visual indication of the message. In aparticular embodiment, the display signal may be an analog or digitaltelevision signals.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 400of message notification and access via a video distribution network. Themethod 400 includes, at 404, receiving a message 402. The message 402may be received at a device in communication with an IPTV network 406.The method 400 also includes receiving a notification of the message402, at 410, and receiving a data stream including video content, at408.

The method 400 may also include selecting a first visual indication. Inan illustrative embodiment, selecting the first visual indication mayinclude determining information about the message, at 412. For example,the method 400 may determine information about the message such as theaddress 414 to which the message was directed, the urgency 416 of themessage, the type 418 of message, the content 420 of the message, otherinformation about the message, or any combination thereof. In aparticular illustrative embodiment, the urgency 416 of the message maybe specified by the sender of the message to indicate that the messageis urgent, important, normal, and so forth. The type 418 of the messagemay be a voice message, a text message, a facsimile, an email, anothertype of message, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment,the communication address 414 may include an internet protocolcommunication address, such as a voice over internet protocol (VOIP)address, a wireline telephone number, a wireless telephone number, anemail address, a text messaging address, or another communicationaddress.

In a particular embodiment, selecting the first visual indication mayinclude determining subscriber configuration settings, at 422. In suchan embodiment, the method 400 may include, at 428, receiving subscriberconfiguration settings 430 from the subscriber. For example, thesubscriber configuration settings 430 may be received via a userinterface displayed at a television 425. In another example, thesubscriber configuration settings may be received via a computer 424, atelephone, or another communication device.

In a particular embodiment, the method 400 may also include preparingone or more display signals, at 426. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, a first display signal may be sent which includes the firstvisual indication, at 428. For example, the first display signal may besent to a display device, such as television 425. The first displaysignal may cause the television 425 to display an image including thevideo content received from the IPTV network 406 and the first visualindication. In a particular embodiment, the first visual indication mayoverlay the video content when displayed at the television 425.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, a second display signal may besent that does not include the first visual indication, at 440. Forexample, the second display signal may be sent to a recording device(not shown). Thus, the second display signal may allow the recordingdevice to record video content received from the IPTV network 406without recording the first visual indication.

In a particular embodiment, the method 400 may also include receiving acommand to display the message, at 430. In an illustrative embodiment,the method 400 may authenticate an identity of the subscriber beforesending the message to the display device, at 432. For example, themethod may authenticate the identity of the subscriber by receiving anidentification code, at 434. In a particular illustrative embodiment,the identification code received from the subscriber may be the same asan identification code used by the subscriber to access messages via aprimary device associated with the communication address. For example,if the message is a voice mail message, the user may be requested toprovide a voice mail identification code associated with the voice mailaccount before the content of the voice mail message is provided. Inanother example, if the message is an email, the user may be requestedto provide an email identification code associated with the emailaccount before the content of the email is provided.

In a particular embodiment, the method 400 may include receiving themessage via the IPTV network, and, at 436, sending the message to adisplay device for presentation to the subscriber. In a particularillustrative embodiment, sending the message for presentation to thesubscriber may include displaying a visual indication of how much of themessage remains. For example, while the subscriber is reading, listeningto, or viewing a message, the method may display an indication of howmuch of the message has not yet been presented to the subscriber.

In a particular embodiment, the steps of the methods described hereinmay be executed in the order shown by the figures. In alternativeembodiments, the steps may be executed in alternative sequences.

FIG. 5 depicts a first exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification via a video distribution network. Theinterface 500 may include for example, a display presented on atelevision display device. In a particular embodiment, the interface 500may include a visual indication 502 of a message that overlays videocontent 503. The visual indication 502 may include a type 508 of themessage, such as “voice mail.” The visual indication 502 may alsoinclude a communication address to which the message was directed, suchas a telephone number 506. In a particular embodiment, the visualindication 502 may include a visual device 504 that identifies acommunication device, party, or any combination thereof to which themessage was directed. For example, the visual device 504 may include atext name associated with the communication address, such as “ChrisGreen cell phone.” In another example, the visual device 504 may includean icon, color scheme, other visual device, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 6 depicts a second exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification via a video distribution network. Ina particular embodiment, the interface 600 may include a visualindication 602 of a message. The visual indication 602 may include atype 608 of the message, such as “fax.” The visual indication 602 mayalso include a communication address to which the message was directed,such as a telephone number 606. In a particular embodiment, the visualindication 602 may include a visual device 604 that identifies thecommunication device, party, or any combination thereof to which themessage was directed.

FIG. 7 depicts a third exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification via a video distribution network. Ina particular embodiment, the interface 700 may include a visualindication 702 of a message. The visual indication 702 may include atype 708 of the message, such as “email.” The visual indication 702 mayalso include a communication address to which the message was directed,such as an email address 706. In a particular embodiment, the visualindication 702 may include a visual device 704 that identifies thecommunication device, party, or any combination thereof to which themessage was directed. In a particular illustrative embodiment, thevisual indication 702 may also include an indication of the urgency ofthe message, such as “urgent” text 710.

In a particular embodiment, the visual indications 502, 602 and 702,depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, may include additional information, suchas the communication address from which the message originated, the nameor other identification of a party who sent the message, the time ordate the message was sent, whether the message is new, the length of themessage, the subject of the message, all or a portion of the content ofthe message, other information related to the message, or anycombination thereof.

FIG. 8 depicts a fourth exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. The interface 800 may be a user interface screen accessible viaan internet protocol television (IPTV) network or at a set top boxdevice communicating with an IPTV network. In a particular embodiment,the interface 800 may be part of a group of interfaces 804 that allow auser to access other services available via the video distributionnetwork, such as a live television broadcast, a recorded televisionbroadcast, video on demand, interactive programming, communication, userconfiguration settings and options, a help menu, other services, or anycombination thereof.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the communicationinterface item 806 is selected. The interface 800 includes an indicationof messages received 802. In an illustrative embodiment, the indicationof messages received 802 may include a list of new messages of varioustypes received by one or more subscribers. For example, as shown in FIG.8, the indication of messages received 802 indicates that a first user,Chris, has 4 new voice mail messages, 8 new email messages, and 1 othernew message. The indication of messages received 802 also indicates thata second user, Maria, has no new messages.

In a particular embodiment, a user may access communication servicesthrough the interface 800. In an illustrative embodiment, the interface800 may include selectable indicators of a call history option 808, avoice mail option 810, an email option 812, an other option 814, anaddress book option 818, a communication settings option 820, or anycombination thereof. Section of the call history indicator 808 may causean interface screen to be displayed that identifies a listing ofincoming and/or outgoing calls for one or more of the subscriber'stelephones. Selection of the voice mail indicator 810 may cause aninterface screen to be displayed which provides access to voice mailmessages, such as the interface depicted in FIG. 10. Selection of theemail indicator 812 may cause an interface screen to be displayed whichprovides access to email messages, such as the interface depicted inFIG. 14. Selection of the other indicator 814 may cause an interfacescreen to be displayed which provides access to messages that are notvoice mail or email messages, such as facsimile messages, text messages,and so forth. Selection of the address book indicator 818 may cause aninterface screen to be displayed that includes a list of contactinformation associated with one or more of the subscriber'scommunication addresses. Selection of the communication settingsindicator 820 may cause an interface screen to be display which providesaccess to communication settings, such as the interface depicted in FIG.9.

FIG. 9 depicts a fifth exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. The interface 900 includes a plurality of selections that allowa subscriber to access and/or modify subscriber configuration settings.In an illustrative embodiment, interface 900 may include an onscreencaller ID selection 902, a talking caller ID selection 904, a voice mailnotification selection 906, an email notification selection 908, another notifications selection 910, an other settings selection 912, orany combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, a subscriber may configure on screenpresentation of caller ID information by selecting the on screen callerID indicator 902. The on screen caller ID configuration settings mayinclude settings, such as whether to display caller ID information onscreen; where to display the on screen caller ID information on ascreen; when to display on screen caller ID information (e.g., only forcertain callers, excluding certain callers, etc.); how to display the onscreen caller ID information (e.g. the color scheme to use, etc.); othersettings, or any combination thereof. The subscriber may also configureaudible caller ID information by selecting talking caller ID indicator904. The audible caller ID configuration settings may include settings,such as whether to use talking caller ID; when to use talking caller ID;other settings, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment,a subscriber may be able to configure settings not related to caller IDor particular types of messages by selecting the other settingsindicator 912.

In a particular embodiment, a subscriber may be able to configurenotification of voice mail settings by selecting the voice mailnotification indicator 906. The notification of voice mail settings mayinclude, for example, associating a particular visual device, othervisual indication, or any combination thereof with one or morecommunication addresses. The notification of voice mail settings mayalso include settings indicating when to provide notification of receiptof a voice mail. For example, the subscriber may specify thatnotification should only be provided for urgent voice mail messages, forvoice mail messages directed to a particular communication address, forvoice mail messages received from a particular communication address, orany combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, a subscriber may be able to configurenotification of email settings by selecting the email notificationindicator 908. The notification of email settings may include, forexample, associating a particular visual device or other visualindication with one or more communication addresses. The notification ofemail settings may also include settings indicating when to providenotification of receipt of an email. For example, the subscriber mayspecify that notification should only be provided for urgent emailmessages, for email messages directed to a particular communicationaddress, for email messages received from a particular communicationaddress, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, a subscriber may be able to configurenotification of other messages settings by selecting the othernotifications indicator 910. The notification of other messages settingsmay include, for example, associating a particular visual device orother visual indication with one or more communication addresses. Thenotification of other messages settings may also include settingsindicating when to provide notification of receipt of other types ofmessages. For example, the subscriber may specify that notificationshould only be provided for urgent fax or text messages, for fax or textmessages directed to a particular communication address, for fax or textmessages received from a particular communication address, or anycombination thereof.

FIG. 10 depicts a sixth exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. The interface 1000 may be accessed by selecting a voice mailselection from a communication menu, such as the interface depicted inFIG. 8.

In an illustrative embodiment, the interface 1000 may include a list ofmessages 1002. The subscriber may be able to access a message from thelist of messages 1002 by selecting an indicator of the message, forexample, by manipulating highlight bar 1003. The selected message may beplayed to the user, and a message playback interface, such as interface1100 depicted in FIG. 11, may be displayed. In a particular embodiment,a voice to text conversion may be performed, and a selected voice mailmessage may be displayed as text.

The interface 1000 may also include a summary or other description 1004related to the list of messages. For example, the description 1004 mayidentify how many messages are in the list, how many pages of messagesare in the list, how many of the messages are new, how many of themessages have been saved, or any combination thereof. In a particularillustrative embodiment, each message identified in the list of messages1002 may be identified by descriptive information such as the name ofthe caller, the communication address of the caller, the date and timethe message was left, whether the message is new, other information, orany combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the interface 1000 may also include anidentifier of the communication address to which the messages weredirected, such as the name of a called party 1008, the telephone numbercalled 1006, or any combination thereof. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, the interface 1000 may include a plurality of selectablecontrol indicators 1010 that allow the user to modify the list ofmessages 1002. For example the control indicators 1010 may include anindicator to advance to a previous page; to advance to a subsequentpage; to sort the messages by different criteria such as whether themessage is new, the name of the sender, the number of the sender, or thedate the message was received; or any combination thereof. The interface1000 may also include a selectable settings control indicator 1012 toaccess voice mail message settings.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the interface 1000 may includea selectable play all control indicator 1014 that directs the system toplay each of the voice mail messages without further user interaction.In a particular illustrative embodiment, the interface may include aselectable play new control indicator 1016 that directs the system toplay each of the new voice mail messages without further userinteraction.

FIG. 11 depicts a seventh exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. The interface 1100 includes a title 1102 indicating a type ofmessage being accessed. The interface 1100 may also include anindication 1104 of a communication address, a subscriber, or anycombination thereof, to which the message was directed. The interface1100 may also include an indication 1106 of who left the message, fromwhat communication address the message came, or any combination thereof.The interface 1100 may also include a date and time 1108 when themessage was sent.

In a particular embodiment, the interface 1100 may also include anindication 1114 of the length of the message. The interface 1100 mayalso include an indication 1112 of how much of the message remains to beplayed back. The indication 1112 of how much of the message remains tobe played back may include, for example, a graphic representation suchas a progress bar, a textual representation such as a count down ofremaining time, another indication of how much of the message remains,or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the interface 1100 may include a pluralityof selectable message control indicators 1116. For example, the messagecontrol indicators 1116 may direct the subscriber to select a particularkey on a remote control device to execute a particular message controlcommand. Examples of message control commands may include playing amessage, saving a message, deleting a message, calling the communicationaddress from which the message originated, adding the communicationaddress from which the message originate to an address book, advancingto a next message, rewinding the message, pausing playback of themessage, fast forwarding the message, or any combination thereof. In theparticular embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the subscriber may execute amessage control command by selecting a number key on the remote controldevice, which corresponds to a desired message control indicator 1116.

FIG. 12 depicts an eighth exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, thesubscriber may execute message control commands by selecting transportkeys on a remote control device. The interface 1100 may identify at 1216which transport key is associated with each control command.

FIG. 13 depicts a ninth exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. The interface 1300 includes a list 1302 of messages. Theinterface 1300 may also include an indication 1304 of a type of messagesin the list 1302. In an illustrative embodiment, the interface 1300 mayinclude a name 1306 of the subscriber to which the listed messages weresent. In an illustrative embodiment, the interface 1300 may include acommunication address to which the messages were sent.

In a particular embodiment, the interface 1300 may include a pluralityof selectable control indicators 1310 which allow the user to modify theorder of the messages in the list 1302. For example, the controlselections 1310 may allow the user to sort the list 1302 by urgency ofthe messages, whether the messages have attachments, who sent themessages, the subject of the messages, when the messages were received,and so forth.

FIG. 14 depicts a tenth exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface for message notification and access via a video distributionnetwork. The interface 1400 includes an email message display includinga sender 1402, a date and time sent 1404, to whom the message was sent1406, a subject of the message 1408, and a body of the message 1410.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the video distribution networkas discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-14 may include or be partof a cable television (CATV) network. In another particular illustrativeembodiment, the video distribution network may include or be part of aninternet protocol television (IPTV) system 1500, as depicted in FIG. 15.As shown, the system 1500 can include a client facing tier 1502, anapplication tier 1504, an acquisition tier 1506, and an operations andmanagement tier 1508. Each tier 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508 is coupled to aprivate network 1510; to a public network 1512, such as the Internet; orto both the private network 1510 and the public network 1512. Forexample, the client-facing tier 1502 can be coupled to the privatenetwork 1510. Further, the application tier 1504 can be coupled to theprivate network 1510 and to the public network 1512. The acquisitiontier 1506 can also be coupled to the private network 1510 and to thepublic network 1512. Additionally, the operations and management tier1508 can be coupled to the public network 1512.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the various tiers 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508communicate with each other via the private network 1510 and the publicnetwork 1512. For instance, the client-facing tier 1502 may communicatewith the application tier 1504 and the acquisition tier 1506 via theprivate network 1510. The application tier 1504 may communicate with theacquisition tier 1506 via the private network 1510. Further, theapplication tier 1504 may communicate with the acquisition tier 1506 andthe operations and management tier 1508 via the public network 1512.Moreover, the acquisition tier 1506 may communicate with the operationsand management tier 1508 via the public network 1512. In a particularembodiment, elements of the application tier 1504, including, but notlimited to, a client gateway 1550, may communicate directly with theclient-facing tier 1502.

The client-facing tier 1502 may communicate with user equipment via anaccess network 1566, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)access network. In an illustrative embodiment, customer premisesequipment (CPE) 1514, 1522 can be coupled to a local switch, router, orother device of the access network 1566. The client-facing tier 1502 maycommunicate with a first representative set-top box device 1516 via thefirst CPE 1514 and with a second representative set-top box device 1524via the second CPE 1522. In a particular embodiment, the firstrepresentative set-top box device 1516 and the first CPE 1514 may belocated at a first customer premise, and the second representativeset-top box device 1524 and the second CPE 1522 may be located at asecond customer premise. In another particular embodiment, the firstrepresentative set-top box device 1516 and the second representativeset-top box device 1524 may be located at a single customer premise,both coupled to one of the CPE 1514, 1522. The CPE 1514, 1522 mayinclude routers, local area network devices, modems, such as digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, any other suitable devices forfacilitating communication between a set-top box device and the accessnetwork 1566, or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the client-facing tier 1502 may be coupledto the CPE 1514, 1522 via fiber optic cables. In another exemplaryembodiment, the CPE 1514, 1522 may be digital subscriber line (DSL)modems that are coupled to one or more network nodes via twisted pairs,and the client-facing tier 1502 may be coupled to the network nodes viafiber-optic cables. Each set-top box device 1516, 1524 may process datareceived via the access network 1566, via an IPTV software platform,such as Microsoft® TV IPTV Edition.

The first set-top box device 1516 may be coupled to a first externaldisplay device, such as a first television monitor 1518, and the secondset-top box device 1524 may be coupled to a second external displaydevice, such as a second television monitor 1526. Moreover, the firstset-top box device 1516 may communicate with a first remote control1520, and the second set-top box device 1524 may communicate with asecond remote control 1528. The set-top box devices 1516, 1524 mayinclude IPTV set-top box devices; video gaming devices or consoles thatare adapted to receive IPTV content; personal computers or othercomputing devices that are adapted to emulate set-top box devicefunctionalities; any other device adapted to receive IPTV content andtransmit data to an IPTV system via an access network; or anycombination thereof.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each set-top box device 1516,1524 can receive data, video, or any combination thereof, from theclient-facing tier 1502 via the access network 1566 and render ordisplay the data, video, or any combination thereof, at the displaydevice 1518, 1526 to which it is coupled. In an illustrative embodiment,the set-top box devices 1516, 1524 can include tuners that receive anddecode television programming signals or packet streams for transmissionto the display devices 1518, 1526. Further, the set-top box devices1516, 1524 can include a STB processor 1570 and a STB memory device 1572that is accessible to the STB processor 1570. In one embodiment, acomputer program, such as the STB computer program 1574, can be embeddedwithin the STB memory device 1572.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 1502 can include aclient-facing tier (CFT) switch 1530 that manages communication betweenthe client-facing tier 1502 and the access network 1566 and between theclient-facing tier 1502 and the private network 1510. As illustrated,the CFT switch 1530 is coupled to one or more data servers, such asD-servers 1532, that store, format, encode, replicate, or otherwisemanipulate or prepare video content for communication from theclient-facing tier 1502 to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524. The CFTswitch 1530 can also be coupled to a terminal server 1534 that providesterminal devices with a connection point to the private network 1510. Ina particular embodiment, the CFT switch 1530 can be coupled to avideo-on-demand (VOD) server 1536 that stores or provides VOD contentimported by the IPTV system 1500. Further, the CFT switch 1530 iscoupled to one or more video servers 1580 that receive video content andtransmit the content to the set-top boxes 1516, 1524 via the accessnetwork 1566.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 1502 cancommunicate with a large number of set-top boxes, such as therepresentative set-top boxes 1516, 1524 over a wide geographic area,such as a metropolitan area, a viewing area, a statewide area, aregional area, a nationwide area or any other suitable geographic area,market area, or subscriber or customer group that can be supported bynetworking the client-facing tier 1502 to numerous set-top box devices.In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch 1530, or any portion thereof,can include a multicast router or switch that communicates with multipleset-top box devices via a multicast-enabled network.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the application tier 1504 can communicatewith both the private network 1510 and the public network 1512. Theapplication tier 1504 can include a first application tier (APP) switch1538 and a second APP switch 1540. In a particular embodiment, the firstAPP switch 1538 can be coupled to the second APP switch 1540. The firstAPP switch 1538 can be coupled to an application server 1542 and to anOSS/BSS gateway 1544. In a particular embodiment, the application server1542 can provide applications to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524 viathe access network 1566, which enable the set-top box devices 1516, 1524to provide functions, such as interactive program guides, video gaming,display, messaging, processing of VOD material and other IPTV content,etc. In an illustrative embodiment, the application server 1542 canprovide location information to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524. In aparticular embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 1544 includes operationsystems and support (OSS) data, as well as billing systems and support(BSS) data. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 1544 can provide orrestrict access to an OSS/BSS server 1564 that stores operations andbilling systems data.

The second APP switch 1540 can be coupled to a domain controller 1546that provides Internet access, for example, to users at their computers1568 via the public network 1512. For example, the domain controller1546 can provide remote Internet access to IPTV account information,e-mail, personalized Internet services, messaging services or otheronline services via the public network 1512. In addition, the second APPswitch 1540 can be coupled to a subscriber and system store 1548 thatincludes account information, such as account information that isassociated with users who access the IPTV system 1500 via the privatenetwork 1510 or the public network 1512. In an illustrative embodiment,the subscriber and system store 1548 can store subscriber or customerdata and create subscriber or customer profiles that are associated withIP addresses, stock-keeping unit (SKU) numbers, other identifiers, orany combination thereof, of corresponding set-top box devices 1516,1524. In another illustrative embodiment, the subscriber and systemstore can store data associated with capabilities of set-top box devicesassociated with particular customers.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the second APP switch 1540 maybe coupled to a unified communication server 1590. The unifiedcommunication server 1590 may be in communication with one or morecommunication networks 1592. For example, the unified communicationserver 1590 may communicate with a telephone network, a wirelesstelephone network, the Internet, or another communication network. Theunified communication server 1590 may receive and store messagesdirected to communication addresses of subscribers. The unifiedcommunication server 1590 may send notification of receipt of a messageto a subscriber via the access network 1566. The unified communicationserver 1590 may also send contents of the message to the subscriber viathe access network 1566.

In a particular embodiment, the application tier 1504 can include aclient gateway 1550 that communicates data directly to the client-facingtier 1502. In this embodiment, the client gateway 1550 can be coupleddirectly to the CFT switch 1530. The client gateway 1550 can provideuser access to the private network 1510 and the tiers coupled thereto.In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box devices 1516, 1524 canaccess the IPTV system 1500 via the access network 1566, usinginformation received from the client gateway 1550. User devices canaccess the client gateway 1550 via the access network 1566, and theclient gateway 1550 can allow such devices to access the private network1510 once the devices are authenticated or verified. Similarly, theclient gateway 1550 can prevent unauthorized devices, such as hackercomputers or stolen set-top box devices from accessing the privatenetwork 1510, by denying access to these devices beyond the accessnetwork 1566.

For example, when the first representative set-top box device 1516accesses the client-facing tier 1502 via the access network 1566, theclient gateway 1550 can verify subscriber information by communicatingwith the subscriber and system store 1548 via the private network 1510.Further, the client gateway 1550 can verify billing information andstatus by communicating with the OSS/BSS gateway 1544 via the privatenetwork 1510. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 1544 can transmit aquery via the public network 1512 to the OSS/BSS server 1564. After theclient gateway 1550 confirms subscriber and/or billing information, theclient gateway 1550 can allow the set-top box device 1516 to access IPTVcontent and VOD content at the client-facing tier 1502. If the clientgateway 1550 cannot verify subscriber information for the set-top boxdevice 1516, e.g., because it is connected to an unauthorized twistedpair, the client gateway 1550 can block transmissions to and from theset-top box device 1516 beyond the access network 1566.

As indicated in FIG. 15, the acquisition tier 1506 includes anacquisition tier (AQT) switch 1552 that communicates with the privatenetwork 1510. The AQT switch 1552 can also communicate with theoperations and management tier 1508 via the public network 1512. In aparticular embodiment, the AQT switch 1552 can be coupled to a liveacquisition server 1554 that receives or acquires television content,movie content, advertisement content, other video content, or anycombination thereof, from a broadcast service 1556, such as a satelliteacquisition system or satellite head-end office. In a particularembodiment, the live acquisition server 1554 can transmit content to theAQT switch 1552, and the AQT switch 1552 can transmit the content to theCFT switch 1530 via the private network 1510.

In an illustrative embodiment, content can be transmitted to theD-servers 1532, where it can be encoded, formatted, stored, replicated,or otherwise manipulated and prepared for communication from the videoserver(s) 1580 to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524. The CFT switch1530 can receive content from the video server(s) 1580 and communicatethe content to the CPE 1514, 1522 via the access network 1566. Theset-top box devices 1516, 1524 can receive the content via the CPE 1514,1522, and can transmit the content to the television monitors 1518,1526. In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of thecontent can be streamed to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524.

Further, the AQT switch 1552 can be coupled to a video-on-demandimporter server 1558 that receives and stores television or moviecontent received at the acquisition tier 1506 and communicates thestored content to the VOD server 1536 at the client-facing tier 1502 viathe private network 1510. Additionally, at the acquisition tier 1506,the video-on-demand (VOD) importer server 1558 can receive content fromone or more VOD sources outside the IPTV system 1500, such as moviestudios and programmers of non-live content. The VOD importer server1558 can transmit the VOD content to the AQT switch 1552, and the AQTswitch 1552, in turn, can communicate the material to the CFT switch1530 via the private network 1510. The VOD content can be stored at oneor more servers, such as the VOD server 1536.

When users issue requests for VOD content via the set-top box devices1516, 1524, the requests can be transmitted over the access network 1566to the VOD server 1536, via the CFT switch 1530. Upon receiving suchrequests, the VOD server 1536 can retrieve the requested VOD content andtransmit the content to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524 across theaccess network 1566, via the CFT switch 1530. The set-top box devices1516, 1524 can transmit the VOD content to the television monitors 1518,1526. In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of VODcontent can be streamed to the set-top box devices 1516, 1524.

FIG. 15 further illustrates that the operations and management tier 1508can include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch 1560 thatconducts communication between the operations and management tier 1508and the public network 1512. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 15,the OMT switch 1560 is coupled to a TV2 server 1562. Additionally, theOMT switch 1560 can be coupled to an OSS/BSS server 1564 and to a simplenetwork management protocol (SNMP) monitor 1586 that monitors networkdevices within or coupled to the IPTV system 1500. In a particularembodiment, the OMT switch 1560 can communicate with the AQT switch 1552via the public network 1512.

In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server 1554 cantransmit content to the AQT switch 1552, and the AQT switch 1552, inturn, can transmit the content to the OMT switch 1560 via the publicnetwork 1512. In this embodiment, the OMT switch 1560 can transmit thecontent to the TV2 server 1562 for display to users accessing the userinterface at the TV2 server 1562. For example, a user can access the TV2server 1562 using a personal computer 1568 coupled to the public network1512.

In a particular embodiment, the unified communication server 1590receives a message directed to a communication address of a subscriber.The unified communication server 1590 sends a notification of themessage via the access network 1566 to a set top box device 1516 of thesubscriber. The set top box device 1516 receives a data stream includingvideo content from the IPTV system 1500. The set top box device 1516also receives the notification of the message. The set top box device1516 or the unified communication server 1590 selects a first visualindication based at least in part on the communication address. The settop box device 1516 sends a display signal to display the video contentand the first visual indication at television monitor 1518.

Referring to FIG. 16, an illustrative embodiment of a general computersystem is shown and is designated 1600. The computer system 1600 caninclude a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computersystem 1600 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer basedfunctions disclosed herein. The computer system 1600 may operate as astandalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to othercomputer systems or peripheral devices, such as a STB, or networkserver, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 15.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 1600 can alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wirelesstelephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner,a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, aweb appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particularembodiment, the computer system 1600 can be implemented using electronicdevices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, whilea single computer system 1600 is illustrated, the term “system” shallalso be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the computer system 1600 may include aprocessor 1602, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system 1600 caninclude a main memory 1604 and a static memory 1606, that cancommunicate with each other via a bus 1608. As shown, the computersystem 1600 may further include a video display unit 1610, such as aliquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT).Additionally, the computer system 1600 may include an input device 1612,such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 1614, such as a mouse.The computer system 1600 can also include a disk drive unit 1616, asignal generation device 1618, such as a speaker or remote control, anda network interface device 1620.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 16, the disk drive unit1616 may include a computer-readable medium 1622 in which one or moresets of instructions 1624, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 1624 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 1624 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 1604,the static memory 1606, and/or within the processor 1602 duringexecution by the computer system 1600. The main memory 1604 and theprocessor 1602 also may include computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions 1624 or receives and executes instructions 1624responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to anetwork 1626 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 1626.Further, the instructions 1624 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 1626 via the network interface device 1620.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capturecarrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmissionmedium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives may be considered a distributionmedium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsthat may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference toparticular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to suchstandards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and otherpacket switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP)represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards areperiodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards andprotocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed hereinare considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may begrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

1. A method, comprising: receiving, via an internet protocol televisionnetwork, a data stream comprising video content; receiving, via theinternet protocol television network, a notification of a messagedirected to a communication address associated with a subscriber; andselecting a first visual message indication based at least partially onthe communication address.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingsending the video content and the first visual message indication to adisplay device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the firstvisual message indication comprises: determining to which of a pluralityof communication addresses associated with the subscriber the message isdirected; and selecting a visual indication that identifies thecommunication address uniquely among the plurality of communicationaddresses.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first visual messageindication is selected based on a type of the message.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first visual message indication is selected basedon an urgency of the message.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst visual message indication is selected based on subscriberconfiguration settings.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the subscriberconfiguration settings are configurable via a user interface displayedat a display device.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the subscriberconfiguration settings are configurable via a user interface accessiblevia the Internet.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising sendingthe video content to a video recording device, without the first visualmessage indication.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving the message via the internet protocol television network andsending the message to a display device.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising authenticating an identity of the subscriber beforesending the message to the display device.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein authenticating the identity of the subscriber comprisesreceiving an authentication token from the subscriber.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the authentication token is an identification used toaccess messages via a communication device associated with thecommunication address.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein thecommunication address is a voice over internet protocol communicationaddress.
 15. A set top box device, comprising: at least one networkinterface to receive via an internet protocol television network a datastream including video content and a notification of a message directedto a communication address of a subscriber; logic to select a firstvisual message indicator based at least partially on the communicationaddress.
 16. The set top box device of claim 15, wherein the logicselects the first visual message indicator based at least partially oncontent of the message.
 17. The set top box device of claim 15, whereinthe network interface receives content of the message via the internetprotocol television network.
 18. The set top box device of claim 17,further comprising at least one output to send the video content and thefirst visual message indicator to a display device.
 19. The set top boxdevice of claim 18, wherein the at least one output sends the content ofthe message to the display device.
 20. The set top box device of claim15, further comprising a user interface module to receive control inputfrom a user via a graphical user interface.
 21. The set top box deviceof claim 20, wherein the control input includes a command to displaycontents of a plurality of messages one after another, without furthercontrol input.
 22. The set top box device of claim 20, wherein thecontrol input includes a command to initiate a call to a sender of themessage.
 23. The set top box device of claim 15, further comprising amemory to store user configuration settings, wherein the logic accessesthe user configuration settings to select the first visual messageindication.
 24. The set top box device of claim 23, wherein the userconfiguration settings include a different visual message indication foreach communication address of the subscriber.
 25. A system comprising: aprocessor; a memory accessible to the processor, the memory includinginstructions executable by the processor to: send video content receivedvia an access network of an internet protocol television system to adisplay device; and send a message notification indicator to the displaydevice for concurrent display with the video content in response to amessage notification received via the access network of the internetprotocol television system, wherein the message notification indicatoris selected based at least partially on the communication address of adestination device of the incoming message and a type of the incomingmessage.
 26. The user interface of claim 25, wherein the messagenotification indicator overlays at least a portion of the video content.27. The user interface of claim 25, wherein the message notificationindicator is selected further based on an urgency of the message. 28.The user interface of claim 25, wherein the message notificationindicator is selected further based on subscriber configurationsettings.
 29. The user interface of claim 25, further comprising contentof the message.
 30. The user interface of claim 29, further comprising amessage duration indicator.
 31. The user interface of claim 25, furthercomprising one or more graphical message playback controls.
 32. The userinterface of claim 31, wherein the graphical user interface controlsinclude an initiate call to message sender selection.
 33. A computerreadable medium tangibly embodying instructions to manipulate acomputing platform to: receive, via an internet protocol televisionnetwork, an internet protocol television data stream comprising videocontent; receive, via the internet protocol television network, anotification of a message directed to a communication address associatedwith a subscriber; and send a first display signal to display the videocontent and a first visual message indication, wherein the first visualmessage indication is selected based at least partially on thecommunication address.
 34. The computer readable medium of claim 33,wherein the first visual message indication is selected based at leastpartially on a type of the message.
 35. The computer readable medium ofclaim 33, wherein the first visual message indication is selected basedat least partially on an urgency of the message.
 36. The computerreadable medium of claim 33, wherein the first visual message indicationis selected based at least partially on subscriber configurationsettings.
 37. A method of message notification via a cable televisionnetwork, comprising: receiving user selection of at least one messageindicator, wherein each message indicator of the at least one messageindicator is associated with a communication address associated with asubscriber; receiving, via the cable television network, a broadcastsignal comprising video content; receiving, via the cable televisionnetwork, a notification of a message directed to a particularcommunication address associated with corresponding subscriber;selecting a first visual message indication based at least partially ona particular message indicator associated with the particularcommunication address; and sending the first visual message indicationto a display device for concurrent display with the video content. 38.The method of claim 37, wherein the first visual message indication isselected based on subscriber configuration settings.
 39. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the subscriber configuration settings are configurablevia a user interface accessible via the Internet.
 40. The method ofclaim 37, further comprising receiving the message via the cabletelevision network and sending the message to a display device.
 41. Themethod of claim 40, further comprising authenticating an identity of thesubscriber before sending the message to the display device.